Health Library

Birthing and Relaxation: Not Mutually Exclusive

Gone is the stark delivery room and administration of heavy duty anesthetics. Parents now have more choices than ever as to the environment into which their babies will be born.

With the growing openness of medical staff to complementary and
alternative therapies, now often called integrative medicine, moms-to-be are investigating and choosing new options for delivering their babies. As a result, parents now have more birthing choices than ever before.

Giving Moms a Helping Hand

A doula, or birth assistant, is a professional woman, or at times a man, hired privately by parents to attend their child's birth. A doula serves the role as support and coach for the laboring woman. The doula does not replace the role of partner, and, very importantly, is not a member of the health care team. A doula is present solely to attend the laboring mom. Usually trained and experienced in childbirth, doulas can serve as a stand-in when dad is not available. But doulas can be an asset for any mother; many parents hire doulas even if dad is present.

Since doctors may not have worked with a birth assistant before, most doulas accompany moms to a prenatal visit in order to meet the doctor before the big day. Once the medical staff knows the doula is there for support and not to replace or interfere with them, they are likely to welcome this additional member of the team.

Doulas can be available weeks in advance to help an anxious mother before delivery by answering questions. They can also be helpful after the mother and infant come home. They help new mothers with feeding, recovery, and newborn care. A postpartum doula helps with the transition a family faces with a new baby in the home.

Studies Support Doulas' Role

Studies show that doulas have positive medical effects on both mother and baby. A study published in the
British Medical Journal
suggested that doulas result in fewer cesareans and shorter labors for mothers, and a lower admission rate to neonatal intensive care for infants.

A review found that continuous support by a doula reduces
anxiety, shortens labor, decreases the need for cesarean deliveries and other forms of assisted birth, and reduces rates of
postpartum depression.

The Wetter, the Better

Water can smooth away aches, drain off tension, and float us to a state of bliss. It's no surprise, then, that moms who labor and/or deliver their babies in a birthing pool experience less pain and greater relaxation.

These benefits may be passed on to the infant as well. It is considered safe, but there is no evidence supporting that it is better than a conventional birth. Water-immersion birth benefits may include:

Less discomfort
—In water, the mother can move into any position that makes her comfortable. This may encourage an easier birth.

Less trauma
—Proponents of waterbirths also believe the method is less traumatic for babies.

Smoother transition
—The easier transition is partly a response to the relaxed state of the mother, and partly due to water's insulating effects. The water environment is similar to the uterus. The helps muffles sound and keeps out harsh light, keeping the baby comfortable.

Caution Regarding Waterbirthing

Despite its increasing popularity, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not support water-immersion birth. The concern among the groups is that if the baby starts breathing under water, the soiled water may cause an infection. Because there haven't been enough studies to find any benefit with water-immersion births, both groups feel that more research needs to be done before they can endorse it.

Pain, Pain, Go Away

The bad news is that labor will probably hurt. The good news is that there are many nonpharmaceutical options when it comes to managing the discomfort.

Relaxation Techniques

The first step to pain management is relaxation. The tenser you are, the higher the sensation of pain.

Relaxation starts with the environment. Even in the hospital, you can dim the lights, play soft music, light candles, or use
aromatherapy
to create a safe feeling. Aromatherapy may reduce the perception of labor pain. Other relaxation techniques include
massage, showers, and baths.

The mind is one of the most effective pain-fighting tools available. Hypnotism, visualization, and imagery are all methods moms have used for pain relief, and there is some scientific support for their use.

Alternative Remedies

Acupressure and acupuncture have been studied as natural treatments for reducing labor pain. Each of these methods may offer some benefits, but more research is needed.

Although red raspberry is an herb traditionally used during pregnancy and labor, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of red raspberry in 192 pregnant women failed to find benefit.

The herb blue cohosh is sometimes recommended by midwives, but it is a toxic herb and should not be used.

Have It Your Way

When planning your baby's birth, investigate the options and be realistic about your personality and desires. Work with your doctor or midwife early on, and check policies of the hospital or birthing center you've selected. For example, some may allow only family members in the delivery room, or may have policies against candles or other open flames. Be flexible; even the best laid plans can go awry. After all, babies have their own ideas about the way things should turn out!

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.